ECG

Specialties CCU

Published

May 15 by markgolfa Hi everybody :) It is my first time to post a question, but I read many conversations here and found them super helpful!

So, my question is: what is the difference between WAP and PAC? From what I understand, both are ectopic and produce el. signal earlier than SA would, therefore both produce disrythmia, in both P waves varies. Although, I am not sure about PR intervals, I think they both are unequal. So, are WAP and PAC two names of the same condition? I am getting ready for ECG test and need help with understanding it.

Thank you!

wap (wandering atrial pacemaker) is when the cardiac pacemaker alternates between the sa node and the av node, resulting in p wave changes. the normal sinus beats will have typical p waves, while the atrial beats will have flattened or inverted p waves.

a pac (premature atrial contraction) is a an ectopic beat originating somewhere in the atria before the sa node fires.

they are similar concepts, but wap is considered an arrhythmia (non-normal heart rhythm). think of it as a sinus rhythm with changing p wave configurations (caused by changing pacer origins) , whereas a pac is a single, premature ectopic beat.

​does that help any?

Thank you! Your reply confirmed my understanding of it. I appreciate it :)

Specializes in critical care, Med-Surg.

I thank you as well for that succinct description! I am a CCU nurse with 6 yrs. of experience who hasn't worked in several years, so I have been studying A LOT, but haven't come across this arrhythmia yet...So thanks! Good job!

Specializes in critical care, Med-Surg.

I thank you as well for that succinct description! I am a CCU nurse with 6 yrs. of experience who hasn't worked in several years, so I have been studying A LOT, but haven't come across this arrhythmia yet...So thanks! Good job!

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